Visiting Auschwitz

A good friend of mine in Tokyo visited the camp
in Auschwitz and it changed his life.
For the peace of the world, he recommends
everyone to go see what's shown out there.

He wrote to Straight Talk today about how to
get there as he believes that it helps if you know
some important points in advance.

　　- How to get to the camp in Auschwitz -

First of all you have to go to Krakow which is
beautiful old town.

You can get to the Krakow by train from Krakow
airport or Warsaw central station.
If you choose Warsaw route, then you have to take
175 bus from the Warsaw airport to Central station
before taking a train.

There are several Hotels in Krakow and you should
stay there at least one night.

There are a few trains go to Oswiecim
where Auschwitz is located.

It is better to give written paper as 'Oswiecim' to
get the ticket if you are not sure about the exact
pronunciation.
It cost around $10.

I would recommend taking early morning train at
around 6AM to go to Oswiecim.
For your reference, the ticket office in Krakow
should open at 5:30AM.

The train runs so slow, and it takes about 2hours
to Oswiecim.

At the Oswiecim station, It's better to check the
time schedule of return train to Krakow.

According to my memory, there are no sign about
Auschwitz at the station.

Some buses go to Awschwitz museum,
but I recommend taking a taxi.
It is safe and not so expensive.

It takes about 5 minutes to Awschwitz
museum by Taxi.

Awschwitz museum open at 9AM officially,
but you can enter before even 8AM.
From 9AM you have to enter with audio guide,
but you can enter without it before 9AM.

There is a small shop on the left side
in front of the entrance.
You can get a leaflet which is written in all major
languages for small amount of money ( around $1 ).
You do not need the audio-guide if you have it.

Birkenau, larger facility is located 3miles away from
the main Awschwitz museum.
There is a free shuttle bus back and forth
every 30minutes.

I would highly recommend seeing the movie
' Schindler's List' before your visit.